Tag: Avon

I just got this beautiful new palette from AVON. I haven’t really been too big on palettes for awhile. When I was younger they were all terrible quality. Then, the quality got better but I had no idea how to use them. Now, palettes are everywhere. They can be good quality, nice selections, easy to use, and affordable. AVON’s is all of the those.

First off, there is a nice big mirror. I tend to use a lighted makeup mirror, but who knows when I’ll need one so that’s a useful feature. Next, there is a variety of very wearable eye shadows in matte, shimmer and metallic. I tend to prefer mattes at this stage of the game, but a little shine is nice if I’m going out or it’s a special occasion. There are five beautiful glosses, that can be worn alone or layered over lipstick. Then, there are the face colors. There is a matte contour powder, a shimmer bronze, and a shimmer highlight. Three shimmer blushes in both cool and warm complete the set.

I was thinking I’d try swatching in on my arm, like I’ve seen so many make-up mavens do online. However, I’m pretty pale, so I don’t know if that’s a good idea of how a color would look on a normal human. Plus my arms are freckled with other scars and marks, and I just didn’t think it would look good. So, I swatched them on plain white paper to just see how the color looked, how pigmented, or how well it blended. I think this was a much better idea for me.

For reference, these were swatched on plain white printer paper, late afternoon. I did not use any filters during or after. I added a white border for contrast in editing. The first 3 pictures are the eye shadows, followed by the face powders, then the lip glosses. I have to say I was pretty surprised by this palette. I expected this to be one of those ones where I end up using 3 colors and never touch the others. However, I think all the colors are really pretty and wearable, and with occasional help from Youtube, I have every intention of finding ways to make every single one of them work for me. I apologize for how poorly the lighter shades showed up. The light neutral shades are so strange in that they are not exciting, but you tend to use them until they are gone because they are so great for blending, for base, for highlight, for just so many makeup uses.

Anyway, I hope this is helpful for those of you looking for a nice palette to round out your collections, or to experiment with. It’s only $19.99 right now, so it’s a great deal, and AVON does offer a money back guarantee.

I have started and not finished several blog posts recently, as well as other projects. It is October 11th and school is in full swing, we’re gearing up for the big block of holidays and I turn 42 today. It is so easy to let things fall by the wayside when you’re hip deep in homework, school fund raisers, and of course, the inevitable school age problems of lunches, learning and bullies.

I’m very positive about the whole aging thing, even though this year I have no actual plans for my birthday. I am not one of those ‘Oh no! I’m old!’ people who obsess over younger people, my own lines or grey hairs, or even about how successful I feel I ought to be by now. No, I’m firmly in the ‘Yay! I made it another year!’ camp. Hey, life in uncertain at the best of times, and I have always been clumsy. So every year passing, still alive, with no broken bones, is kind of a miracle to my mind.

That said, I’m a little on the introverted side, and generally only enjoy parties which are short, or where I know every single person there personally. I also don’t really enjoy throwing parties, as I wear myself to a frazzle during planning and set up, then once people arrive, I just give up. I just throw my hands up with a ‘whatever’ attitude and let it go. Then afterwards I have to basically rest for 3 days. I’ve thrown parties, both at my home and in restaurants. I’ve had impromptu dinners at the last minute so that I can enjoy my friends without the planning. I’ve also had years where I just stayed in and ordered out.

This year it’s on a Tuesday and I’m a mom. This is a school week. Kids have to be taken to school and picked up, homework has to be done, baths and showers, lunches, laundry, and of course, dinner. I had thought to take them out and celebrate with just my little family, but wowza does that seem like a lot of work for a school night. I think I may just order in and try to relax as much as I can. My husband and I do have plans for a little getaway midway between our two birthdays as kind of a Just the Two of Us joint celebration.

All in all, I’m glad to be alive, proud to have made it to 42 and although it is to be quite low-key, I’m not sad about my birthday at all. I have things to do, so many things, and at the very least, when your to-do list is miles long you really never have a reason to be bored. If you’d like, comment and let me know what your favorite low-key ways to celbrate are!

So, it’s been too long since I’ve posted. I really want to post at least twice a week. I love this blog and don’t want it to die. Perhaps at some point I will set up a schedule and organize post ideas or something really professional like that. In the meantime, I’ve been out of sorts and not feeling great and just let it slide too many days.

As it is on my mind, I’d like to talk about ways to pamper yourself and help lift your spirits when you are feeling down or just irritable. For me, I find music often helps. Currently, my favorite ways to get music is in my car with my XM radio, or at home, via my computer, with Amazon Music playlists. Don’t judge too much, but my favorite playlists are often classic rock, or 80s mixes. I dance, I sing along, loudly and off-key, and just skip over anything remotely sad.

I also like to pamper myself physically a bit. For some, that might be a massage, or a hot bath with bubbles. Those are both great ideas. I set aside some time on Saturday to give myself a mani/pedi. I used AVON’s Gel Finish 7-in-1 Nail Enamel in Roses are Red (on sale now for 2 for $8.99), and my new obsession, Foot Works Beautiful Toasted Macadamia Nut collection. I used the Exfoliating Scrub, the Relaxing Foot Soak and the Moisturizing Cream. It smells so good, like kinda sweet and nutty and a little bit like toasted coconut. I don’t know, but I love it. They’re pretty fairly priced now, but I am nearly positive there will be gift sets or sales closer to Christmas. Anyway, so that little self-care session helped a lot.

When I’m really cranky, I like to hide away from my friends and family to prevent myself from getting annoyed with them, when they are not really my problem. I don’t like to share my bad moods with those I love. So, I like to read, play video games or watch TV or movies. Its just a little exercise in distraction and getting out of my own head for awhile. I recently read books from The Parasol Protectorate series, which are fun novels with a steampunk setting. I rewatched Downton Abbey, on Amazon Prime. I’ve also been playing The Sims 3, which I know is not new, but I have all the expansions and I love it.

Now, you might be wondering. If you’re doing all this pampering and dancing and goofing off, how are you getting anything done!?! You’d be right of course. It’s sometimes hard to focus in the midst of all this self-care, but to be fair, it’s hard to focus when you’re grumpy or sad too. I use timers. I set timers when the boys are at school to go off at regular intervals. Sometimes, it’s 15 minutes of play, then 15 minutes of work. The times vary, but the reminders help me to not get too lost. I also use Mindbloom, which is a great website for tracking habits. When I feel a bit out of it, I check Mindbloom for hints of what to do next. I find it really helps, especially when I remember to open it.

Anyway, I hope you found some of this helpful. Please comment or message me if you have any bad mood busters to suggest!

Skin So Soft is an iconic AVON product. It was released in 1961 simply as a bath oil for women. It is still a wonderful bath oil, fragrant and moisturizing and available in several different scents. Of course, there is another use for it that most people know about. It repels bugs. Of course, AVON now makes Skin So Soft Bug Guard with and without sunscreen for expressly that purpose. However, a lot of people still swear by the original Skin So Soft bath oil as a great way to keep those annoying pests at bay.

It would seem the wrong time of year to discuss this. Most people are looking for this sort of thing in the summer, where warm nights lead to hanging out late chatting, or families and friends venture into nature. Perhaps for most people that is true. Here, in California, and I would guess other places too, it is still very warm. It was 91 degree here yesterday, and we are expecting it to be almost as hot today. California is also experiencing a drought, so over the course of the last 6 months our backyard lawn has died down to nothing. Also, the warm nights seem to excite local wildlife and we are often woken by Raccoon Parties on our roof.

All this to say, that for the first time since I’ve lived here, about 11 years, we have fleas. I’ve considered myself very fortunate that my dog did not have fleas this whole time. Fleas and dogs generally go together. We checked him, and groomed him and never saw any until this summer. Then, there they were. Now, we have hardwood floors, but we do have a few throw rugs, and of course, the dog. We have been treating him, and the yard for fleas this summer. His treatments fell by the wayside a bit when I was ill though, and now they are back in full force. He’s now wearing one of those plastic cones to keep him from licking the hot spots on his flank, while we treat him with steroids and topical spray. Also, my own legs look terrible from itching what I am now convinced is an allergic reaction to flea bites.

Which brings me to AVON. I have been using AVON Moisture Therapy Calming Relief Spray for the itchiness and it’s wonderful and moisturizing and it helps. I don’t think I ever want to be without it again. However, we’ll still battling the fleas. While there are still fleas, there are still bites. Treating the dog with pills, the carpets with sprays, and the lawn with professionals who come every 3 months (they are due again any day now). I suddenly remembered about Skin So Soft in the Original Scent. I bathed the dog and myself using the shower gel. Then I used the spray on oil on both of us. It smells pretty strong at first, but good. It smells like walking through an herb garden on a hot summer night. I hope it will help during this trying time, but at the very least it smells good and feels good. The dogs fur and my skin have never been so shiny and moisturized.

Well, with all my closets and accessories done, I can move on to bath & beauty products. Just kidding. I haven’t even started the closets. However, I do think I need to think about cosmetics and skincare products. I just tossed an old charcoal mask this morning. I threw it out, because I can’t remember when I bought it. I could have bought it last year, but I have a sinking feeling it was more like 2 or even 3 years ago.

My methodology for throwing out old beauty products is pretty haphazard, actually. I sort of randomly throw things out when I run across them if I can’t remember buying them, or they are visibly not good anymore, like a separated nail polish. I toss those all the time. I don’t even paint my nails very often, because I am not very good at it and I hate to sit still long enough to let it dry. I usually just go to the nail salon to get it done. Again, haphazardly. I don’t have a standing appointment or anything.

However, there are apparently rules for throwing away grooming products. I’m going to include the general consensus for your benefit and mine.

Mascara – Every 2 months

I know, it’s annoying to have to replace them so frequently, especially if you don’t use them every day. This is good reason, in my opinion, to find a great mascara at a good price. I’d be reluctant to toss out a $27 mascara after 2 months. Although, this time frame only pertains to mascara that has been opened. If you have a sealed backup, then the only thing you need to worry about is manufacturer’s expiration. Also, get rid of all eye makeup you’ve been using during an eye infection, or may have been used before you noticed it. Tools like brushes can be cleaned with alcohol. Some people suggest that pencils can be salvaged by simply shaving them down.

Gel Eyeliner – 3 months

Once again, a great argument for finding an affordable option. The reasons for this are the same as with mascara. There is an increased chance of bacteria and eye infection.

Cream Foundation and Concealers/Blushes/Bronzers – 12 to 18 months

It’s great that these last longer, as good shades are hard to give up.

Lipstick and Lip liners – One year

Of course these should be thrown out if you have cold sores or are ill. If you’re frequently ill, just be prepared to change these out often. Sharpening your lip liners can help.

Skincare – 6 to 12 months

Ideally you should be using most of this sort of thing daily, so you should actually run out before it expires. Unless, like me before AVON, you have a tendency to randomly buy it, try it out for a few days, then bury it in a cabinet. Then you should probably stay on top of the recommended time frames.

Liquid Foundation – 1 year

I’m glad you can keep these longer, as matching a shade is hard, but they aren’t meant to last forever, so a timeline is helpful.

Lip Gloss – 1 to 2 years

There is apparently some argument on this one. Some people suggest that the manner in which they are applied, via wand, or pot or even directly makes them more of a health risk so they should be tossed every 6 months.

Pencil Eyeliners or Brow Pencils – 1 to 2 years

I think we were all aware that these last a long time. Although some of us with brow pencils from the 90s should really get a new one. Not that I do.

Powders, like foundation,bronzers, blush or eye shadows – 2 years

Apparently, powders are remarkably stable. This is good to know. I may have to start putting the year on the bottom of these. That way I will know when I bought them and neither let them sit around forever, nor toss out a good powder before it’s time is up. And again, there is some concern over eye products and safety.

Perfumes – 6 to 18 months

Okay, I know a lot of people don’t want to hear that one. Especially not my mother, who buys expensive perfumes, saves them for special occasions, and keeps them for decades. However, fragrances are delicate and degrade with time and exposure to air. The key is, find something you love and use it! Don’t save it for once a year! Use it. Also, remember there are a lot of wonderful, beautiful perfumes at a lot of different price points. If you can’t afford that $400 perfume, then notice what you like about it, what type of scent it is, and find something with similar notes that you can afford! And use it. It even okay to have a scent wardrobe! A lot of us love a lot of different scents. Just make sure it’s not quietly fading away in a drawer somewhere. You and your perfume deserve to be together. If it starts to smell stale or acidic, it is time to say goodbye.

As for other products like bath products, hair products and sunscreen, rest easy. Apparently, these often have a lot more stable ingredients and are usually labeled with an expiration date. The expiration date is a good guide, although if you want them working in tip top form for as long as possible, you should keep them someplace cool and dark. Maybe under the sink or something.

In any case, if you’ve been sick with something contagious or bacterial based you should probably replace your makeup, at least anything used around the eyes or mouth. Also, if something changes in texture or color or has a funny odor that wasn’t there before, it could be compromised and it’s a good idea to get rid of it.

As always, I leave you with a coupon code.

SSS – Free Skin So Soft Original 4-piece set with your online Avon order of $50 or more plus free shipping – Expires: midnightSeptember 16, 2016

It’s been a crazy week. I have all the laundry in the world in my house and I’m behind. I know it’s only Tuesday but with school starting, the weather just cool enough so that every morning there is a debate about jackets, then Back to School Night, and all the usual husband, home and kids nonsense, I’m just running crazy. This is especially true because I don’t want to deal with any of it. I just want to crawl into a book and sip coffee. Mmm, that sounds great.

On the last post, I was talking about Fall Fashion. I love Fall for fashion. Summer is fun and all, but I love the rich colors, the boots, and all the layers. It’s hard to start making plans though, because my wardrobe is full of summer things, which at this point, I still may need some days. However, there are things I don’t like, things that don’t fit, and things that have been around way too long that I really need to get rid of. And that’s just my wardrobe! I really have to get in and dig out all the stuff from my kids’ clothes that is old, ragged, or just doesn’t fit those rough and tumble boys anymore.

So, here’s my method. First, the kids. I sit down in front of their closet and chest of drawers with a couple paper grocery bags. Sometimes I write donation on one or more of those bags. I dump all clothing 2 sizes smaller (or more!) than the last clothes I bought them into the donation bags. All except cut-off pants or stained or ripped clothes – those go in the trash. Then I go through and check the sizes only 1 size smaller than their newest clothes. Those I check carefully. Sometimes those still fit, and sometimes they don’t. It turns out children’s sizes are no more uniform than women’s sizes.

Now the hard part. My clothes. These are annoying because I have to try things on. I have to look at pretty party dresses, and try to remember when I last wore them. I have to think about how often I wear things, whether they are flattering, and of course, check for damage. I have to look over my regular everyday clothing and wonder, am I wearing this too often? Does this even look good on me? Did I get a stain on it last time that cannot be removed? And of course, maybe I should wear something else? This is frustrating. So, my current method is not the most efficient but it works better than throwing my hands up and walking away.

I set up a few paper grocery bags – donation, out of season, and throw away. There are two ways to deal with out of season. The lazy way is just to decide what you do no want to wear in the Fall/Winter and toss them in the bag. This is a good method. The harder way is to decide what you do not want to wear during Fall/Winter, then try them on and check them for damage and fit and how well you like it on you. Then, separate them into the Out of Season bag and the Donation bag. This is the better method, but best done when you have more time, patience or wine. After that is done, then you can attack the rest of your clothes looking for damage, trying them on, and judging how flattering or fashionable they are then separate them out accordingly. The winners get put back in your closet or moved to the laundry room or car for repair, dry cleaning, or attempted stain removal.

Then of course, one has to tackle the shoes. Then the belts. Maybe purses after that. Then, the worst, the jewelry. Do I really need that clunky pewter bracelet I picked up in 1998? I love these shoes, are they really ruined? Where did I get this belt anyway, is it even mine? I tend to do this in stages. No, wait, I mean, spurts. I do this randomly, occasionally, with no rhyme or reason. Also, if you can, play happy music, preferably loudly. When you are done, it is a good time to reward yourself. Personally, I am planning on this woven bag from Mark. Or maybe these new Moto Boots?

As always, I leave you with a coupon code, good today only. It’s Customer Appreciation Week at AVON, so there will be new specials every day on my eshop. Orders today over $60 will receive a 8-piece Customer Favorites Set with code DAY2 – remember today only for this code!

I like to keep up with fashion and beauty blogs online. I even pick up a magazine every now and then. Sure, most days I look like the tired mom that I am, but I do pay attention. I appreciate a good outfit when I see one, and every now and then I even wear one! So, I’ve been seeing new Falls trends being discussed and I’d like to illustrate how AVON can help you, and me, enjoy some of those too!

First up, is Monochrome Outfits. Monochrome can be a little difficult to pull off, but it is everywhere right now. You can alleviate it by breaking it up with soft shades that accentuate your main color, or with bold accessories. Basic black accessories with gold accents are also great for adding drama!

Next up is leopard print! Leopard print is everywhere, but it really is a classic that everyone can wear. If you’re not fond of leopard, other animal prints are great too, and easy to work into your wardrobe. If you prefer a touch of animal style, accent pieces like jewelry or handbags are great and have more impact than you’d think!

All of these pieces can be found in the current AVON catalog or online.

Also hot this Fall are romantic styles and soft colors. Add some sweetness to your wardrobe with delicate jewelry or pretty florals. A soft colored bag or a lace-edged camisole layered into your warm outfit will bring the romance.

Some of these are AVON and some are MARK, and those camis are on sale, in AVON’s adult women’s sizes, for a four pack that includes all four colors!

Vivid green is a hot transition color to Fall’s warm browns, tans, and burgundies. Whether you build your outfit around it, or just use it as bright accent to your neutrals, this color can have a lot of impact. Think emeralds, not limes, for this transition color.

The dress and top are AVON, the jewelry shown is MARK.

All this and a lot more. AVON has fashion clothing and accessories as well as wonderful makeup and cutting edge skincare! Time to start thinking about that fall wardrobe! As always, I’ll leave you with a coupon code!